The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is attempting to phase out one of the most time-consuming and irritating travel processes there is and we are so here for it. The government agency’s pilot program One Stop Security, which started in August, is going to simplify air travel for international flyers. Some say it’s about time, but we say it’s better late than never.
What is One Stop Security?
Previously, travelers coming from international airports into the US and connecting onto another flight had to pick up their luggage at the carousel, recheck their luggage with the airline, and go through customs and TSA screenings before being able to proceed to their gate for their next flight. To say that this was impractical is an understatement. It was incredibly frustrating.
The One Stop Security program aims to get rid of this rigmarole. The goal is for travelers to land in the US, proceed to their next gate after clearing customs, skipping the TSA rescreening process, and having their luggage automatically transferred to their connecting flight.
While this is music to our ears, One Stop Security is a pilot program so its implementation is currently very limited. Only one American Airline flight from London’s Heathrow International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and one Delta Air Lines’ flight from London’s Heathrow International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are involved. The process varies a little between the two airlines, but the important thing to keep in mind is that if the program goes smoothly, it will likely extend to more flights, destinations, and airports.
Reciprocity at London’s Heathrow Airport
The One Stop Security program also applies for travelers flying from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport into London’s Heathrow International Airport before catching a connecting flight. So, if London is just a jumping platform to reach your final destination, you’ll have a much less stressful connecting time there too.
What About Clearing Customs?
The One Stop Security program does not mean you can bypass customs. When landing in the US, you will definitely have to go through some form of CBP federal inspection like everyone else. However, for travelers connecting in London, things might be different.
If the airline of your connecting flight in London belongs to the same airline alliance as your flight from the US (i.e American Airline or Delta Air Lines for now), you’re able to avoid customs altogether when arriving in Heathrow.
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FAQs
Q: What airports are currently testing the One Stop Security program?
A: The airports currently implementing the One Stop Security program are: London’s Heathrow International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Q: What airlines are currently testing the One Stop Security program?
A: The airlines currently testing the One Stop Security program are American Airline and Delta Air Lines.
Q: When did the One Stop Security program start?
A: The program started in August 2025.
